The London ice skating landscape for children spans everything from casual, seasonal fun at atmospheric outdoor rinks to serious, structured development at year-round centres. For families focused on cost, venues like Streatham Ice and Leisure Centre and the council-run options at Lee Valley generally fall into the budget price band, offering accessible public sessions and entry-level lessons. However, for those seeking intensive technical tuition, specialist groups operating out of venues like Alexandra Palace often sit in the premium bracket, reflecting smaller group sizes and focused coaching expertise. Parents should explore whether their child needs basic confidence building or a pathway towards competitive skating when making their initial choice.
See our top picks
IceSkating.London (at Lee Valley)
This instructor group advertises small group sizes, which creates a supportive environment ideal for children taking their very first steps on the ice.
Lee Valley Ice Centre
This venue is consistently listed in the budget price band, offering council-run session prices making it the most cost-effective entry point for regular practice.
QUEENS skate dine bowl
As a year-round central venue offering drop-in public sessions daily, this offers the maximum flexibility without needing to commit to a fixed term course.
29 Ice Skating Providers in London
A historic, centrally located ice rink that consistently runs daily public sessions suitable for family fun and beginner practice.
This iconic venue near Hyde Park offers year-round public sessions for kids ice skating classes in Queensway, appealing to a broad range of ages from toddlers upwards. It is a full entertainment centre, meaning parents can enjoy food and leisure options while children are on the ice or waiting their turn.
- Busy rink often shared with figure skaters
- Offers learn to skate courses and public sessions
- Located close to public transport and amenities
A full size, Olympic-spec ice surface that supports a clear competitive pathway for children serious about figure skating or hockey.
The Alexandra Palace Ice Rink provides a large ice pad for various kids ice skating lessons in Alexandra Palace, supporting skaters from their very first steps up to competitive levels. This venue hosts structured courses and one-to-one tuition, offering a serious pathway for dedicated young skaters in North London.
- Full-size Olympic specification rink for serious training
- Check schedule as it hosts events and hockey
- Offers introductory courses and one-to-one coaching
Offers dedicated coaching through associated groups like Ice Skating Lessons London and IceSkating.London, providing structured progression.
The Lee Valley Ice Centre in East London features two ice pads, making it a major hub for kids ice skating lessons in Lee Valley, including sessions for toddlers and structured club support. As a council-run facility, it often provides excellent value for money for general public sessions and beginner courses.
- Two separate ice rinks on site
- Offers learn to skate programmes and private coaching
- Check for dedicated family skate times on weekends
Small group tuition ensuring high coach to pupil ratios for focused progression in their structured kids ice skating classes.
This specialist provider runs dedicated kids ice skating lessons for primary and secondary age children at the Lee Valley Ice Centre, focusing on progression through its structured program. Parents appreciate the commitment to small group sizes, ensuring focused attention for young skaters learning in East London.
- Focus on group lessons for progressive learning
- Offers taster sessions for new beginners
- Based at the large Lee Valley facility
Known for high levels of customer satisfaction, this provider offers a range of flexible kids ice skating lessons across all junior age bands.
Operating from the Lee Valley Ice Centre, this service provides a range of kids ice skating lessons in Lee Valley, welcoming beginners from toddler age up to secondary school level. They focus on a supportive environment, often allowing for one-to-one tuition alongside their regular group programmes.
- Dedicated instructors running excellent children's classes
- Taster sessions are available upon request
- Uses the facilities at the East London rink
One-to-one and small group ice skating lessons available directly with instructors based at the large Alexandra Palace facility.
International on Ice offers specialist ice skating instruction for children at the Alexandra Palace rink, focusing on private or small group tuition for rapid skill development in North London. These sessions cater for all levels, providing focused learning away from the busy general public sessions.
- Private coaching focus for quick learning
- Bookings managed directly with the instructors
- Utilises the large, well-known North London venue
Private, bespoke ice skating tuition for children provided by an instructor operating across the Finsbury Park area of London.
Rosie van Someren provides dedicated one-to-one ice skating instruction for children across Finsbury Park and surrounding North London areas, often utilising local rinks by arrangement for private kids ice skating lessons. Her individual focus is appealing for primary and secondary skaters needing targeted help with technique.
- High level of personal attention in private lessons
- Contact via Instagram for scheduling details
- Coaching is available at various local rinks
An academy structure with formal progression, offering specific lessons for toddlers learning to ice skate at the East London venue.
The Ice Skating Academy runs structured ice skating classes for children across all age bands at the Lee Valley Ice Centre, aiming to develop skaters from beginner toddlers to advanced levels. They utilise a formal structure, making it easy for parents to track their child's progress through the lessons in East London.
- Structured syllabus for progression tracking
- Includes lessons for young toddlers
- Based at the large Lee Valley Ice Centre
A highly atmospheric outdoor ice rink experience set against the historic walls of the Tower of London, ideal for introductory family fun.
The seasonal ice rink at the Tower of London provides a truly magical setting for family ice skating near Tower Hill, welcoming children of all ages during the winter months. While it is primarily a public skating venue rather than a formal school, it is excellent for introducing younger primary school children to the joys of ice skating in a memorable spot.
- Only operates seasonally, usually November to January
- Spectacular historic backdrop for a family outing
- Focus is on recreational public skating, not formal lessons
A massive, festive outdoor ice rink in the heart of London, perfect for a seasonal family skate outing for all junior ages.
The Hyde Park Winter Wonderland Ice Rink offers a large, fun outdoor experience for kids ice skating classes and general skating near Hyde Park during the festive season. Sessions are themed and set to music, providing a highly entertaining, albeit brief, introduction for toddlers and primary children to being on the ice.
- Requires separate Winter Wonderland entry ticket
- Operates seasonally, usually from mid-November to early January
- Great atmosphere with music and festive lights
A beautiful, short-term seasonal outdoor ice rink providing a premium family skating experience in historic Greenwich.
Set in the beautiful grounds of the Queen's House in Greenwich, this seasonal outdoor rink is wonderful for introducing younger primary school children to ice skating in South East London. It is largely a recreational rink, focusing on family fun rather than structured league training or league training.
- Stunning UNESCO World Heritage site location
- Operates seasonally, check specific dates annually
- Good for casual, introductory family ice skating
A modern, seasonal outdoor rink experience that provides a unique skating backdrop near the striking architecture of Battersea Power Station.
Glide at Battersea Power Station offers a temporary outdoor ice rink experience near Nine Elms, suitable for casual kids ice skating lessons and family fun during the winter season. Children across all junior age bands can enjoy skating against the backdrop of the iconic power station architecture in South West London.
- Skate sessions must be pre-booked online
- Operates only for a limited season each year
- Great views of the redeveloped power station
A popular seasonal outdoor ice rink situated centrally in the Canary Wharf business district, excellent for festive family skates.
The Canary Wharf ice rink provides a popular seasonal setting for family ice skating near the Canary Wharf Estate, welcoming younger primary children and older secondary skaters for public sessions. This is a recreational option set amongst the skyscrapers, best for a fun winter outing rather than formal instruction.
- Seasonal rink usually operating from late Autumn
- Central location in the business district
- Focus is on recreational public skating sessions
A large, established, year-round indoor rink in South London offering budget-friendly public sessions and development opportunities.
The Streatham Ice and Leisure Centre is a long-standing indoor venue providing year-round kids ice skating lessons in Streatham, suitable for toddlers through to secondary school ages. As a council-run facility, it offers affordable general sessions and structured learning for young skaters in South London.
- One of the largest and oldest rinks in London
- Good value public sessions available daily
- Hosts a range of learn to skate programmes
A dedicated club pathway for older children focusing specifically on developing ice hockey skills through team training sessions.
This club provides specialist ice hockey coaching for primary and secondary school age children at the Lee Valley Ice Centre, running structured training sessions in East London. It is the ideal place for young skaters ready to move beyond basic lessons and learn team skills and competitive play.
- Dedicated club structure for ice hockey
- Offers taster sessions for new players
- Uses the facilities at the Lee Valley Ice Centre
The Streatham venue is a popular, established community hub for ice sports managed by the local council.
The council-run Streatham Ice and Leisure Centre offers consistent kids ice skating classes in Streatham for primary and secondary age groups. Being a local facility, it often provides more budget-friendly options for regular attendance.
- Check the Active Lambeth site for the latest public session times
- This is a key venue for ice sports in South London
- Offers a range of structured lessons for various abilities
This provider achieves a perfect rating and focuses on smaller class settings within the popular Alexandra Palace venue.
An independent coaching service operating within the Alexandra Palace rink, International on Ice provides small group kids ice skating lessons in North London. The five-star rating suggests a commitment to high standards for their primary and secondary age pupils.
- Coaching is based out of the main Alexandra Palace facility
- Contact is via mobile phone for the most direct information
- Likely offers more intensive coaching than general rink programs
This is London's most picturesque seasonal ice rink, situated in the grand courtyard of the Strand art centre.
The seasonal ice rink at Somerset House on the Strand offers a magnificent backdrop for family skating sessions suitable for all ages learning to skate in Central London. While primarily a public skate, they often feature introductory sessions during their winter opening.
- This is a highly popular seasonal outdoor rink event
- Bookings are essential and often sell out quickly
- The experience is focused on atmosphere and location
Offers a beautiful, scenic outdoor ice rink set against the magnificent backdrop of Hampton Court Palace.
Located near Hampton Court Palace, this seasonal outdoor rink provides a grand setting for kids ice skating classes and general fun sessions for all ages in the surrounding area. It is a popular destination for primary and secondary children during the winter months.
- This is generally a seasonal, festive attraction, not year-round
- Often features beginner sessions alongside general skate times
- The historic setting makes for a memorable family trip
This coaching group focuses purely on technique development and offers a free assessment before formal term commitment.
Utilising the large Lee Valley Ice Centre, this service delivers dedicated kids ice skating lessons in Waltham Forest for primary and secondary school children. The emphasis appears to be on high-quality instruction given the strong user rating.
- Offers a free initial assessment session for beginners
- Lessons are designed to fit structured progression paths
- Operates from the well-equipped North East London rink
Home to multiple independent ice skating instructors and clubs, providing a wide choice of class styles and schedules in East London.
The Lee Valley Ice Centre in East London offers robust kids ice skating lessons supported by several professional coaching groups like Ice Skating Lessons London and IceSkating.London. As a council-run facility, it provides access to tuition for primary and secondary children at competitive, budget-friendly rates.
- Check direct instructor websites for specific lesson details
- Affordable access to ice time in East London
- Large modern facility serving the surrounding boroughs
A highly-rated specialist coaching group operating out of the large Lee Valley Ice Centre for dedicated skill development.
This dedicated coaching service runs kids ice skating lessons at the Lee Valley Ice Centre, suitable for primary and secondary beginners progressing towards figure skating or hockey skills. Parents can book directly through their site for structured courses focusing on developing strong skating foundations.
- High individual rating suggests strong parent satisfaction
- One of the specialist coaching options at Lee Valley
- Check term dates for session start and end
This instructor group has achieved a five star public rating and advertises small group sizes for focused kids ice skating lessons.
Find ice skating lessons for toddlers and older children in the Lee Valley area with this provider, known for their commitment to quality instruction. They run smaller group sessions, ensuring that every child receives focused attention while learning to skate safely on the ice.
- Five star rating suggests a positive experience for clients
- Offers sessions suitable for the youngest beginners
- Bookings handled via their dedicated external website
Structured term-based courses at the Lee Valley Ice Centre, aimed at building strong fundamental skills for young skaters.
The Ice Skating Academy runs structured courses for children, typically from preschool age, at the large Lee Valley rink in East London. This academy focuses on developing solid skating technique, appealing to families seeking regular, committed ice skating instruction for their children.
- One review suggests a focus on dedicated training
- Classes are run on a term commitment basis
- Location is the large and accessible Lee Valley Centre
A well-regarded, small-scale coaching option offering specialised ice skating lessons directly within the Alexandra Palace venue.
International on Ice provides private or small group kids ice skating lessons right at the Alexandra Palace rink in North London for children ready to learn. With a five star rating from limited reviews, this service is worth contacting for bespoke tuition for your child's ice development.
- Direct contact via mobile phone for scheduling
- Lessons located within the main Alexandra Palace rink
- Five star rating from initial client feedback
A well-established West London club offering a clear progression pathway for children's ice skating lessons on a term basis.
The London Skate Centre provides ongoing kids ice skating classes in the Bayswater area, running structured courses for toddlers through to secondary age skaters. This centre offers a pathway for development, making it a good option for families seeking progression in their child's skating journey.
- Offers dedicated classes for toddlers starting from an early age
- West London base with a high customer satisfaction rating
- Structured learning pathway for committed students
A council-run leisure centre in Islington providing budget-conscious access to ice skating and lessons for local children.
The Sobell Leisure Centre in Islington provides access to ice skating for children through its public sessions and organised lessons available at this North London hub. As a Better managed centre, it offers council-run pricing which can be a budget friendly choice for regular kids ice skating classes.
- Standard budget pricing expected from a Better facility
- Good accessibility for families living in Islington
- Check Better website for specific school holiday session times
A popular, temporary outdoor ice rink situated conveniently within the Wimbledon Quarter shopping area in South West London.
Wimbledon Quarter hosts a seasonal outdoor ice rink in South West London, perfect for introducing primary and secondary children to skating during the winter holidays. As a temporary attraction, parents should confirm the dates and look for specific group lesson availability for young skaters.
- Seasonal attraction, typically running late in the year
- Convenient location within the Wimbledon shopping centre
- Easy access for families in South West London
This venue offers a spacious seasonal outdoor ice rink near Epsom, providing a different experience from the standard indoor London rinks.
Epsom on Ice at the Downs Racecourse provides a seasonal outdoor ice rink, suitable for family skating including younger primary-aged children in the Epsom surrounds. While primarily a public attraction, check their booking site for specific early morning or off-peak slots for informal children's tuition.
- Seasonal outdoor rink located near the Epsom Downs Racecourse
- Good for family skating sessions during winter months
- Check dates as this is not a year-round facility
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do kids ice skating classes cost in London?
Costs vary significantly depending on the provider and venue. Budget options, often found at council-run leisure centres like Sobell or Streatham, generally charge lower rates for their standard session prices. Mid-range term fees are typical for dedicated structured classes, while premium private lessons or one-to-one coaching at high-profile seasonal rinks can involve substantially higher per-session costs.
What age can kids start ice skating in London?
Many providers welcome children across a wide spectrum, with some sessions specifically catering to toddlers starting from a very young age. Classes are widely available for preschool ages, primary school children, and secondary school students, ensuring there is an appropriate session structure for almost every junior age band.
What should I look for in a beginner ice skating class?
For beginners, focus initially on class size; smaller groups generally mean more direct attention from the instructor. Look for providers who explicitly cater to absolute beginners, and check if they offer specific basic balance and glide instruction rather than launching straight into formal figure skating skills. The availability of sessions at budget-friendly venues is also a plus for initial exploration.
Can my child try a ice skating class before committing?
Trial availability varies considerably among the London providers. Some specialist tuition groups offer dedicated trial sessions before requiring a full term booking, while others rely solely on drop-in public sessions for initial taster experiences. It is always worth checking the specific listing details for trial or assessment options before enrolling in a full course.
Where in London can I find kids ice skating classes?
The density of options appears strongest in East London, particularly around the Lee Valley Ice Centre, which hosts numerous independent coaching groups. Other central hubs include Alexandra Palace, offering both rink access and specialised coaching, and various central locations that host seasonal outdoor rinks during winter months.
Are there pathways for children interested in competitive ice skating?
Yes, several centres clearly offer a competition pathway. Venues like Alexandra Palace and various clubs operating out of Lee Valley are explicitly noted for supporting children who wish to progress beyond recreational skating into structured disciplines, including options for ice hockey.
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